The new openings in November don't give the grey Berlin winter a chance. Two new Winter and Christmas markets provide an adrenaline-fuelled start to the Advent season with wild rides and curling rinks. Those who prefer a more contemplative experience can look forward to the reopening of St Hedwig's Cathedral. And there are also a few tips for your Christmas shopping at the new openings in November.
Tip 1: Saint Hedwig's Cathedral reopens
After six years, the Sankt Hedwigs-Kathedralel on Bebelplatz is reopening. With 15-minute mini-concerts and inspiring reflections, everyone is invited to explore the remodeled cathedral, now more open and welcoming, with its stunning dome. It's a wonderful opportunity to add a few contemplative moments to your Christmas market visit to Bebelplatz. Guided tours in the week following the reopening on November 24 will offer a closer look at the cathedral’s architecture and history.
When: from 24 November
Where: Bebelplatz, Mitte
Tip 2: New exhibition in the Nikolaikirche - "Decolonial - what remains?!"
Starting November 14, 2024, the Nikolaikirche will serve as a central venue for decolonial remembrance culture in Berlin. The new exhibition, "Colonial Ghosts – Resistant Spirits: Church, Colonialism, and Beyond," features works by five guest artists from the Decolonial Residency, delving into themes of colonialism and resistance. The exhibition's opening coincides with a multi-day festival offering music, discussions, workshops, and guided tours to foster active engagement. Beyond the Nikolaikirche, the exhibition also critically examines Berlin's role in global enslavement and colonial history by focusing on the African Quarter and the historic site of the 1884/85 Africa Conference at Wilhelmstraße 92
When: 14 November to 21 December (exhibition in the Nikolaikirche until 25 May 2025)
Where: Nikolaikirchplatz, Mitte
Tip 3: Newly opened Ringbar on Sonnenallee
In the early 20th century, Berliners gathered at the establishment near the Sonnenallee Ringbahn station for drinks. Now, a century later, this historic venue has been lovingly revitalized and reopened as the Ringbar. The renovation uncovered original frescoes, adding to its nostalgic charm. Located in the vibrant Neukölln district, the Ringbar currently offers both bar and kitchen services, with plans to introduce an art gallery in November.
When: Wednesday to Sunday
Where: Schwarzastraße 1, Neukölln
More tips for going out in Neukölln
Tip 4: Enjoy a time-out at the newly opened restaurant JÓMO
The newly opened restaurant JÓMO – "Joy of Missing Out" – in Prenzlauer Berg invites you to take a mindful break. Whether it’s a morning coffee after yoga, lunch with friends, or a relaxed family dinner, JÓMO’s four founders welcome you to enjoy your time however you wish, with all-day international cuisine that celebrates what’s good and nourishing. Indulge your senses with flavors that blend Japanese, French, and Italian influences: from croque monsieur to Basque cheesecake and quark croquettes, there’s a dish to suit any moment, day or night. The music and lighting are also thoughtfully designed to match the natural rhythm of the day – bright and uplifting in the morning, and cozy, romantic candlelight in the evening.
Tip 5: Chic brunch at Café Beatz
Settle into a cozy vintage armchair, order your favorite coffee, and bask in the autumn sunlight streaming through the large panoramic windows. In this ideal brunch spot, the newly opened Café Beatz on Neue Kantstraße offers buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit, handmade focaccia, Eggs Benedict, fresh smoothies, juices, and a variety of other delights for a wholesome start to your day.
When: Monday to Sunday 9am - 6pm
Where: Neue Kantstraße 32, Charlottenburg
Tip 6: Shop like you're in Paris at the Sézane pop-up
Discover elegant, high-quality pieces to perfect your Parisian look at the Sézane pop-up store, located at Alte Schönhauser Str. 28 in Berlin. Open until summer 2025, this boutique offers the latest collections and timeless essentials—chic, wearable, and always with a distinctive flair. It's also an ideal destination for finding exquisite gifts for the holiday season.
When: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm
Where: Alte Schönhauser Straße 28, Mitte
Tip 7: Eiffel Tower comes back to Wedding
And more Parisian charm in Berlin: Wedding has its Eiffel Tower back! Yes, you read that right—this replica can once again be admired in front of the Centre Français de Berlin on Müllerstraße. The Eiffel Tower in Wedding is a project celebrating the Paris-Berlin city partnership. After it was dismantled last year due to structural concerns, 50 local students, guided by master carpenter Matthias Link and the mobile BAUWERKstatt of the Bildungsverein Bautechnik, have successfully rebuilt this unofficial Wedding landmark with support from the community.
When: as of now
Where: Müllerstraße 7, Wedding
Tip 8: New bouldering hall opens in old wine vault
Attention, climbing enthusiasts: Urban Apes has just opened another bouldering gym in Berlin, this time in Friedrichshain. Set within a former Bohemian wine cellar, this unique venue promises plenty of climbing excitement in an extraordinary atmosphere. Alongside the main bouldering hall, you’ll find a cozy restaurant and a fitness area with state-of-the-art kilter and tension boards housed in the historic vaulted rooms. Plans are also underway to introduce a dedicated area for children and families soon.
When: Monday to Sunday 9am - 10pm
Where: Friedenstraße 91 B, Friedrichshain
Tip 9: New permanent exhibition at the Werkbundarchiv - Museum of Things
What wasn’t invented, designed, or produced in the 20th century? The new permanent exhibition at the Werkbundarchiv – Museum of Things showcases 15,000 such objects, celebrating the ideals of the Deutscher Werkbund, which emphasized functionality in design. This historical movement curated "good" and "bad" examples of design, creating impactful public exhibitions to promote these ideals. The current display invites visitors to explore this unique approach to design, with a fascinating array of objects reflecting both aesthetic and practical values.
When: from November 9
Where: Leipziger Straße 54, Mitte
Tip 10: Two new Christmas markets in Berlin
Winter dream in Köpenick
Get ready for a festive adventure at Köpenick’s new Winter Wonder Land on Schnellerstraße! Making its debut this Christmas season, this bustling fairground promises over 60 exciting attractions to kick off winter in style. Highlights include an 85-meter free-fall tower, a grand Ferris wheel, and numerous carousels, ensuring fun for all ages. And, of course, there’s no shortage of seasonal food and drinks to complete the experience.
When: 8 November to 29 December. December
Where: Schnellerstraße 145, Köpenick
Curling Rink at the Forum Museumsinsel
The Forum an der Museumsinsel is fully adorned for the Christmas season. Here, you can enjoy the renowned Friedrichstadt-Palast and explore nearby attractions like Hackescher Markt, the Neues Museum, and the Humboldt Forum. Not only can you indulge in a delicious, hearty meal—goose is available from November 11 to December 26—but you can also meet up at the Dieselhaus for some curling fun throughout December. Be sure to book a rink in advance for your visit to Winter Wonder Land. Another festive highlight is the ten-meter-high Christmas tree, which illuminates the forum’s impressive architecture with holiday cheer.
When: 1 to 31 December
Where: Forum an der Museumsinsel, Mitte
Tip 11: Pop-up gallery in Quartiere 205 - Berlin art supermarket
The Berlin Art Supermarket is reinventing itself once again, this year as a pop-up gallery in the basement of Quartier 205 in Stadtmitte. It’s a true treasure trove for anyone who’s dreamed of collecting art, offering original works at accessible prices. This year's theme, "Bestiary," brings a special focus on artworks inspired by the animal kingdom. And for your holiday convenience, the Art Supermarket is also open on Sundays in December—ideal for Christmas shopping!
When: Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm and on Advent Sundays 8 & 22. December 1 - 6 pm
Where: Quartier 205, Friedrichstraße 67, Mitte
